Fuji X-E1 vs X-E2

Now that the new Fuji X-E2 is officially released (see our announcement post with a short preview), it is time to compare the camera to its predecessor and see what has changed. In this article, I will show feature differences between the Fuji X-E2 and the older X-E1, which we have recently reviewed (and really liked). And by the way, we are giving one away this December! Please keep in mind that this comparison is purely based on specifications. A detailed comparison with image samples and other comparisons will be provided in the upcoming Fuji X-E2 review.

After evaluating all Fuji X cameras, I came to a conclusion that the X-E1 is the best of the bunch, even when compared to its bigger brother, the Fuji X-Pro1. Despite having a smaller LCD screen, a slightly inferior build and lack of an optical viewfinder (it is EVF only), the X-E1 is smaller, lighter and has exactly the same image quality as the X-Pro1. I loved it so much that I bought myself one while still reviewing the Fuji cameras! And you can imagine how excited I was when I saw Fuji’s announcement of the X-E2. I requested a pre-release sample from Fuji USA, but they had a small number of units that were already given out to others, so I am still waiting. Oh well, if I don’t get it soon, I will have to wait until my X-E2 arrives. For now I am planning to keep both. So what has changed since the X-E1? Let’s take a look at how the two cameras stack up against each other in terms of specifications:

Fuji X-E1 vs X-E2 Specification Comparison

Camera Feature

Fuji X-E1

Fuji X-E2

Sensor Resolution

16.3 Million

16.3 Million

AA Filter

No

No

Sensor Type

X-Trans CMOS

X-Trans CMOS II

Sensor Size

23.6×15.6mm

23.6×15.6mm

Sensor Pixel Size

4.82µ

4.82µ

Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning

Yes

Yes

Image Size

4,896 x 3,264

4,896 x 3,264

Image Processor

EXR PROCESSOR

EXR PROCESSOR II

Lens Modulation Optimizer

No

Yes

Viewfinder Type

Electronic (EVF)

Electronic (EVF)

Viewfinder Size and Resolution

0.5″, 2,360,000 dots

0.5″, 2,360,000 dots

Viewfinder Coverage

100%

100%

Built-in Flash

Yes

Yes

Flash Sync Speed

1/180

1/180

Storage Media

1x SD, SDHC, SDXC

1x SD, SDHC, SDXC

Continuous Shooting Speed

6 FPS

6 FPS

Shutter Speed Range

1/4000 to 30 sec

1/4000 to 30 sec

Exposure Metering Sensor

TTL 256-zone metering

TTL 256-zone metering

Exposure Compensation Dial

Yes, ±2 stops

Yes, ±3 stops

Base ISO

ISO 200

ISO 200

Native ISO Sensitivity

ISO 200-6,400

ISO 200-6,400

Boosted ISO Sensitivity

ISO 100, 12,800, 25,600 (JPEG only)

ISO 100, 12,800, 25,600 (JPEG only)

Autofocus System

TTL contrast AF

Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF)

Focus Points

49 AF points

49 AF points

Face Detection

No

Yes

Video Capability

Yes

Yes

Video Output

H.264 (MOV)

H.264 (MOV)

Video Maximum Resolution

1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p

1920×1080 (1080p) @ 60p, 30p

Video Maximum Record Time

29 minutes

14 minutes in 1080p, 27 minutes in 720p

Audio Recording

Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional)

Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional)

Articulating LCD

No

No

LCD Size

2.8″ diagonal TFT-LCD

3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD

LCD Resolution

460,000 dots

1,040,000 dots

Built-in GPS

No

No

Built-In Wi-Fi Functionality

No

Yes

Battery

Li-ion battery NP-W126

Li-ion battery NP-W126

Battery Charger

Battery charger BC-W126

Battery charger BC-W126

Weather Sealed Body

No

No

USB Version

2.0

2.0

Weight (Body Only)

350g with battery and memory card

350g with battery and memory card

Dimensions

129 x 74.9 x 38.3 mm

129 x 74.9 x 37.2 mm

Price

$999 (as introduced), $799 (current)

$999 (as introduced), $999 (current)

As you can surely see, the two cameras are remarkably similar. Is that bad? Well, I feel quite safe in saying – no. Simply because there is nothing wrong with the X-E1 to begin with – it is an extremely capable and attractive camera. Fujifilm stuck with the tested formula – don’t fix what is not broken. That is not to say that there are no improvements. As subtle as they may appear at first, the added capability, at least on paper, is well worth the extra $200 in our opinion. Here are the main differences between the two cameras:

Sensors: both X-E1 and X-E2 feature very similar sensors. It is unlikely that you will see any difference in detail captured or low-light, high ISO performance. The only real difference lies in the incorporation of phase-detect AF in the newer X-Trans CMOS II sensor, also found in Fujifilm X100s fixed-lens compact camera. And this improvement is responsible for…

Hybrid AF: at the beginning of its life, the X-E1 didn’t have a particularly impressive autofocus system. But here is the thing with Fujifilm – they constantly improve the capabilities of their cameras through firmware updates, and so with the latest software X-E1 (and X-Pro1, for that matter) performed admirably. Fujifilm X-E2 builds on that with further improvements – a hybrid autofocus system that is quickly becoming the standard for mirrorless cameras. This system uses both contrast (normally used in compact cameras) and phase-detect (normally used in DSLRs) autofocus for improved speed and accuracy, especially noticeable when tracking moving subjects. The same exact system is currently used in Fujifilm X100s and what we have learned about its hybrid AF is that it performs very well in good lighting conditions where phase-detect system is at its best. This should also be true with the X-E2. In lower light, however, the system will rely on contrast-detect more, which means the speed difference between X-E2 and X-E1 will be much less noticeable, if at all. The X100s did exhibit some autofocus accuracy problems under some circumstances, though. We are hoping to get our hands on a production X-E2 unit for reviewing as soon as possible.

Image Processor and Speed: X-E2 gains EXR Processor II which, according to Fujifilm, is much snappier than the first version found in X-E1. Such performance should mean quicker operation. Fujifilm quotes minimal lag and shot-to-shot times for the new camera. Also, because of the faster processor, Fujifilm was able to increase the refresh frame rate of X-E2’s EVF in low light, which is very good news.

LCD Screen: it may not have been a huge drawback, but the X-E1 had a rather modest 2.8″ 460k dot LCD screen, not enough to compete against direct rivals. X-E2 gains a proper 3″ screen with much higher resolution of 1.04 million dots. Here is hoping that in conjunction with the snappier processor, Fujifilm will allow 100% magnification RAW file reviewing.

Wi-Fi: Fujifilm X-E2 gains the now-standard for this class of cameras WiFi connectivity. Unfortunately, remote control of the camera is not supported yet (to be fixed in a future firmware update), but you can use it to transfer files to your Mac / PC or other devices like phones and tablets. You can also transfer GPS location from your phone to the camera (geotagging).

Price: Despite the improvements, X-E2 costs the same $999 at launch (and it should), just like the X-E1 did last year. But if you compare current prices, X-E1 sells for $200 less and that is a lot of savings for an already great camera.

Exposure Compensation: you can now adjust exposure compensation by ±3 stops in 1/3rd increments using the dedicated dial (versus ±2 stops of the X-E1). Still ±2 stops in video mode, though, but that is hardly relevant.

Lens Modulation Optimizer: just like the X100S, the Fuji X-E2 also received Fuji’s proprietary Lens Modulation Optimizer – software that can use special algorithms to reduce diffraction and other optical problems

Layout Differences: there are some slight button / layout differences between the two cameras. The Q button has been moved from its previous location to the top panel, while the AE-L button goes to where Q used to be. Because the left side gained one extra space, Fuji added a programmable “Fn2” button and together with two other buttons (AF and AE), there are now a total of 4 programmable function buttons on the X-E2.

The biggest improvements are definitely brought by the new sensor and processor, but the rest of the list makes X-E2 even more attractive and very much up-to-date when compared to rivals. Other than these changes, it is more or less identical to its predecessor – the dimensions are almost exactly the same. The weight – with batteries or without – is identical. On paper, X-E2 is definitely the better camera with more potential, especially when it comes to autofocus performance in good light. For those of you who found X-E1’s performance to be all you need, however, the older sibling is now a very impressive value for money offering. You can get the same basic experience with the older camera and achieve the same technical image quality for $200 less! At this price point, that is quite the difference and will ensure X-E1 will be wanted by a lot of people. For certain types of photography, such as landscapes, there is absolutely no difference between the two cameras, so you might as well save some money and add it to a lens. For those who want the best interchangeable lens camera from Fujifilm, X-E2 is the right choice at this moment – if you do not need an optical viewfinder, it beats both X-E1 and X-Pro1 cameras. At least until the flagship X-Pro2 arrives.

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About Nasim Mansurov

Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life. You can follow him on Instagram, 500px and Facebook. Read more about Nasim here.

Reader Interactions

Comments

1) Vipul Kapadia

October 26, 2013 at 11:14 am

Nasim, Thank you for posting the comparison. This is just in time for me as I think I have narrowed down my search to X100S and X-E2. I like flash synch speed of X100S yet I am leaning more towards X-E2 as I think it may have better AF performance and focus issues that X100S had (during day light) have been addressed. It is yet to be seen and I really hope you get X-E2 soon so we get to hear on that from you! I am thinking about getting 35mm f/1.4 but a lot of people said that lens is slow to focus, noisy and the lens barrel moves in-and-out (by 6mm) during the focusing time. What is your experience with that lens? Thew new 23mm f/1.4 is coming out or released recently but may have the same 35mm focal lens limitation for shooting portraits (you have some examples on that where the head looks bigger, etc.).

On a side note, X200 may come out early 2014 and may be a better camera but who knows. I am currently interested in downsizing my camera bag and thinking I may not want to lug around all this 15 pound worth of stuff to take pictures. When I am on a family trip, I don’t even take my dSLR with lenses and stuff anymore so why don’t I just switch over to these smaller yet powerful cameras. I don’t do professional photography anyway so this might be the way to go. I am tempted for Olympus OM-D EM1 but it’s quite expensive and has a smaller sensor. X-E2 with 35mm f/1.4 might be just good enough for me as I don’t do sports/action photography.

Thanks again for all the information you and your team share. I check your web site at least 3 times a day and my day begins with a cup of team and your web site – both of them are addicting/habit forming! Cheers!

Very nice comparison of the two cameras (I have both and have been putting the X-E2 through its paces). HOWEVER, one note: you mention that the two cameras are basically identical for landscape use, and I would mostly agree with you, BUT the X-E1 doesn’t allow you to preview your exposure in manual mode, instead compensating to give you a bright viewfinder you can use for composition. The X-E2 allows you to toggle how you want the EVF/LCD to show things in M mode, making it superior for landscape work. This is not a huge deal for me, but I have heard from more than one landscape photographer that that change alone makes the X-E2 worth it for them.

Great review once again. I am looking to make the conversion to Fuji as I have sold my d7000. But now seems like the xe1 is $400 cheaper worth lens than the xe2. Debating whether itsa gopd value to get the xe2 or not. This would be my secondary camera. Hmm

Great article. It could be even more helpful if there is a comparison with the less expensive X-M1.

Until now, I have been using the film cameras (Pentax) and Digital cameras (Canon/Nikon). All of those have an OVF where as X-M1 does not have a VF at all. Quality wise through, I hear rave reviews about Fujifilm cameras (especially the sensor).

I plan to go the X-mount route any way, so would like to know a comparison between X-M1, X-E1 and X-E2 to know which gives me the best bang for my buck.

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